Brazil, South America’s leader in GDP, has made several moves indicating a willingness to work with China in the near future. The establishment of the BRICS, as well as President Lula’s recent visit to China, should alert the West as to how Brazil has been swayed by China and its offerings.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva traveled to Shanghai and Beijing in early April, where his delegation signed 15 agreements across a range of sectors, including several aimed at decreasing reliance on the U.S. dollar, U.S. agricultural exports, and U.S. financial institutions. These agreements represent Brazil and China drawing closer and providing alternatives to each other that can circumvent U.S. controls and norms.

Brazil’s president indicates that economic recovery in Latin America is likely to be driven by China. Existing connections are deep and will be resilient against political or international interference. Renewed South-South cooperation is one hopeful outcome.

Brazil, South America’s leader in GDP, has made several moves indicating a willingness to work with China in the near future. The establishment of the BRICS, as well as President Lula’s recent visit to China, should alert the West as to how Brazil has been swayed by China and its offerings.

Brazil maintains a sensitive balancing act at the center of a crucial diplomatic nexus with the US and China. If employed shrewdly, the intermediate position Brazil finds itself in could strengthen its hand in its relations with the two superpowers.

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While international media focuses on Brazil’s mass demonstrations against corruption, efforts behind the façade precipitate regime change, restoration of a pre-Lula order, and a struggle against the BRICS nations. The U.S. feels threatened by an era of multipolarity, which deeply implicates China, and other emerging economies.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang promised $50 billion in funding for a trans-oceanic railroad from Peru to Brazil, which politicians in Latin America have been dreaming to build for decades. However, an unforgiving geography and political disputes could prove challenging.

Trade between Brazil and China has flourished over the past decade. However, the current trade relationship may be disrupted as Brazil recognizes the benefits of adding value along its supply chain, giving way to more opportunities for the United States to build upon its economic relationship with Latin America’s largest emerging market.

Even though the Western media attacks it as a form of Chinese neo-colonialism, the China-Africa relationship has in the past decade moved steadily and rapidly forward despite interferences.